Teams from Egypt and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have received authorization from Israeli authorities to search for the bodies of deceased hostages in the Gaza Strip. This development occurs as part of the initial phase of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement, which mandates the return of all hostage bodies by Hamas.
Search Operations Authorized
Israeli authorities confirmed that teams from Egypt and the ICRC are permitted to conduct searches beyond the "yellow line" within areas of Gaza controlled by Israeli forces. The "yellow line" defines the perimeter to which Israel withdrew as part of the ceasefire's first stage. This marks the first instance of Israel approving the entry of such teams.
The Egyptian team is authorized to collaborate with the ICRC, utilizing excavator machines and trucks for the search.
Context of Hostage Returns
Under the ceasefire deal's initial phase, Hamas was required to transfer all deceased Israeli hostage bodies. To date, Hamas has transferred 15 out of an estimated 28 deceased Israeli hostages. Hamas has stated it is now coordinating with Egyptian authorities regarding these efforts.
The ICRC has previously facilitated the transfer of captives, both living and deceased, from Hamas to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), bypassing direct contact between Hamas and IDF. The entry of Egyptian excavation teams into Gaza represents a new aspect of these operations.
Statements on Retrieval Challenges and Efforts
Hamas has indicated that locating bodies presents difficulties due to widespread rubble from damaged buildings in Gaza. The UN estimates that 84% of the territory has been reduced to rubble.
An Israeli government spokesperson stated on Sunday that Hamas was aware of the locations of the bodies, suggesting that "If Hamas made more of an effort, they would be able to retrieve the remains of our hostages."
Former US President Donald Trump commented on the situation on Saturday, urging Hamas to return the bodies quickly, adding that "the other countries involved in this great peace will take action" if not. He also stated, "Some of the bodies are hard to reach, but others they can return now and, for some reason, they are not. Perhaps it has do with their disarming." Trump further indicated he was monitoring the situation closely.
International Involvement
Egypt, alongside Qatar and Turkey, is a signatory to the Trump-brokered Gaza peace plan, which was signed in Sharm el-Sheikh earlier this month.